O’Connor quits Bray amid funding uncertainty

ANY rescue package sourced to cure financial problems at Bray Wanderers won’t involve Denis O’Connor after the controversial chairman last night made the shock announcement to resign with immediate effect.

The Tipperary accountant has become a central figure in the ongoing turmoil at the beleaguered League of Ireland club, firstly by releasing a statement at half-time of the June 30 game against Dundalk questioning the viability of the club, before six days later claiming funding had been secured into the next year.

That promise failed to assuage the club’s squad, with five players submitting transfer requests in recent days.

In his farewell statement last night, O’Connor made no mention of investment to replace outgoing benefactor Gerry Mulvey amid speculation the trail had gone cold.

It now appears the club’s best chance of surviving, albeit on a vastly-reduced budget, is through the assistance of a fan-based consortium.

“I have resigned my position as chairman/director of Bray Wanderers FC and also as director of Milway Dawn Limited,” said O’Connor.

“My involvement has been driven by a desire to resolve legacy issues and get the squad in the top half of the league table which can only be achieved by putting the necessary support structures in place.

“My decision is driven by personal reasons. That is all for another day.”

The man at the helm of operations since 2015 then listed a number of parties he was thankful to, primarily manager Harry Kenny with whom he developed a “very close friendship”.

In conclusion, O’Connor volunteered to help on a conditional basis, stating: “it goes without saying I will always be available to help the club when feasible and, where possible, if asked.”

It remains to be seen whether his successor opts to make that call.